Where to begin…Topeak already has a rather large catalog of tools, accessories and other bits. A lot of those have been given functional upgrades for 2012, and there are a few new items joining them.
Above, there’s a new stem cap mounted iPhone 4 bracket and case with a carbon fiber back plate. The front is covered by a gel-like surround with clear cover that lets you operate the touchscreen while keeping it generally protected from the elements. MSRP on this is TBD, as is final release date. Let’s just hope it’s before October 4.
See the rest after the break…
The Link Meister is a new multi-brand, multi-speed chain tool that’ll break and repair everything from 9, 10 and 11 speed by SRAM, Shimano and Campagnolo. The small dial wheel at the top moves a backplate in or out to form fit against whatever size chain you’re putting in there and eliminates sideways (bending) pressure on the plates.
The ToolStick 33 is a new addition to that family with four Torx bits (T10, T15, T25, T30) made of hardened and Cr-V steel with a rubber grip around the handle. It comes with a mount capable of holding the other two ToolSticks with standard allens and bits, and the ends swivel to fold into the handle for more compact storage.
The miniature Rocket pumps get a new hybrid version that combines a CO2 inflator into the body for quick fills with the same fully functional pump if things continue to go wrong for you. We reviewed the original (non-CO2) version here pretty favorably.
The larger silver pump on the right of the left photo is the new Shock ‘n’ Roll dual tire and shock pump. By swiveling the head, it switches from high to low pressure for pumping either your tires or your fork or shock. As someone who routinely carries both types of pumps, plus a CO2 shooter, on the trails, I’m liking these combo units. Now, if they could just put a CO2 bit on the Shock ‘n’ Roll we’d be in business…
On the right is the PocketShock G2 dual gauge shock pump. The gauges twist off for smaller packing if you want to throw it in your jersey. Back at the car or garage, there are two gauge heads that go 0-120psi and 0-300psi. The smaller one is for suspension forks, which are generally much lower pressure than rear shocks, to give you more precise measurements. The latter is for higher pressure rear shocks.
Topeak has expanded their saddle bags into full sized panniers dry bags. All have quite a bit of reflective paneling and come in either yellow or black. The exterior is a waterproof nylon with a roll top closure and velcro attachments. The largest hold 80 cubic liters for the pair.
The new Fuel Tank bags mount to the steerer tube and top tube to keep things easily in reach while riding. The insides are bright yellow to make small bits easier to spot, and they have customizeable compartment sizes and mesh pockets.
The DeFender series gets a new breakaway front fender that clamps to the fork legs for easier height adjustments. The fender sections have breakaway clips on one side to prevent them from ripping apart in an accident. The otherside remains attached so they don’t go tumbling down the side of the mountain and get lost. The rear fencer is a UD carbon fiber blade that’s angle and height adjustable thanks to the articulating mount. It slides around the seat tube and straps on rather than clamping to a tube, making installation and removal super quick and easy.
New RedLite Mega blinky is pretty bright, and the WhiteLite HP AL puts out 120 lumens on high.
Their waterproof bike cover has been upsized a bit to fit 29er mountain bikes.
